Downtown Des Moines Travel Guide
Des Moines
Visit Downtown Des Moines
Popular places to visit
Iowa Events Center
Learn about the events happening in Iowa Events Center during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Principal Park
Catch an event at Principal Park during your trip to Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and acclaimed theatre scene.
Iowa State Capitol Building
After visiting Iowa State Capitol Building, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals and great live music.
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Explore the great outdoors at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Explore the great outdoors at John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, a lovely green space in Des Moines. Experience the area's lively festivals or attend a sporting event.
State Historical Museum of Iowa
You can spend an afternoon browsing the exhibits at State Historical Museum of Iowa during your travels in Des Moines. Experience the area's great live music and lively festivals.
Top hotels in Downtown Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines, Curio Collection by Hilton
My favorite place to stay in Des Moines! Rooms are always soo clean, the service is top notch, the restaurant is delicious and so close to many restaurants and cocktail bars. It’s truly the best!
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
Des Lux Hotel
Will be back
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites Hotel Des Moines Downtown
Stayed overnight for a work/charity event. Everything was very nice! The only thing that was kind of a bummer was tv selection but oh well. The kitchen/bar staff was great because there was a creeper talking to me and my co-workers and when we finally left the bartender made sure the creeper didn't ...
Reviewed on 13 Apr 2026
Holiday Inn Downtown - Mercy Area by IHG
Room wasn’t ready until nearly 2 hours after check in time. No real good place to hang out in lobby. We asked about the conference room that wasn’t being used. Front desk told us no but then bartender opened it up for us.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown by IHG
Thank you
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Hyatt Place Des Moines/Downtown
Friendly and helpful staff. Super nice to be able to take the skywalk around town when it’s raining. Lots of close by things to do.
Reviewed on 17 Apr 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Des Moines
Court District
Travellers come to Court District for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Science Center of Iowa and Principal Park while you're in town.
Western Gateway
While visiting Western Gateway, you might make a stop by sights like John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park and Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
Historic East Village
Historic East Village is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wooly's and Iowa State Capitol Building while you're in town.
Sherman Hill
When in Sherman Hill, you can plan a visit to Hoyt Sherman Place and 801 Grand, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
Columbus Park
While Columbus Park may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Principal Park and Science Center of Iowa.
Woodland Heights
While Woodland Heights isn't home to many top sights, Hoyt Sherman Place and Terrace Hill are some notable places to visit nearby.
